Wednesday Dinner

So today, since I am still recovering from July I thought I would turn the blog over to a fantastic woman I know! She's a smart, super crafty mom, who just happens to own her own online business, Violets Buds. I know I have introduced you to her before, and I hope you enjoy this great recipe she put together for us! It's coming to you just in time for back to school, when we can all use something easy and YUMMY! Enjoy!!!




After too many disappointing Chinese take-out meals, my husband Scott & I decided we had enough. He did some online research and found a few recipes that we tested. This recipe for Orange Chicken & Fried Rice is one we tried, made a few changes, and now is a regular in our house.

We take a shortcut to make it an easy weeknight meal by using frozen breaded chicken nuggets or tenders. The following recipe makes 4 servings, and can easily be increased. To get the main part of the Orange Chicken & Fried Rice started you will need: Frozen breaded chicken nuggets or tenders 2 cups Rice (white or brown)

Start by cooking the rice & chicken nuggets according to package directions. While the chicken & rice are cooking you can start the orange sauce.

Orange Sauce 1/2c water juice & zest of one orange 1/4c lemon juice 1 tbs rice vinegar 2 tsp soy sauce 2 tbs brown sugar 1/2 tsp ginger (we use powder, but fresh is good) 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or a dash of cayenne pepper) 1 tbs cornstarch Mix all sauce ingredients thoroughly, then bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts simmering, reduce heat & stir constantly until the sauce thickens. Turn heat to low. By now the chicken & rice are probably done. Next step is to start the fried rice.

Fried Rice Cooked Rice 1 cup Frozen mixed vegetables 1 cup Frozen shelled edamame 2 eggs, scrambled 2 tbs soy sauce 1 tsp brown sugar In a large skillet or on a flatop griddle pan, start by cooking the frozen mixed vegetables & edamame over medium heat with either a pat of butter or coconut oil. Add the rice, then sprinkle with the soy sauce & brown sugar, stir well. Push the rice & veg off to one side of the pan, then start frying the eggs (add black pepper if desired). When the eggs are done, mix with the rice & veg.

Right before serving, toss the chicken nuggets in the orange sauce to coat & serve over a bed of fried rice. Or, if you prefer, you can spoon the orange sauce over the fried rice & chicken.

I hope your family enjoys this easy, tasty meal as much as our family does!
 
Violet's Buds
http://www.facebook.com/violetsbuds
http://violetsbuds.storenvy.com/ 
https://www.etsy.com/shop/VioletsBuds
http://violetsbuds.blogspot.com/

Morning Coffee

This morning while I have some coffee, I thought I would share a big event in our neck of the woods.

I am super excited to announce that we will be moving at the end of the month. It's not the move we wanted to make, but it will give my family some much needed space.

It will also put us closer to Alicia from Zeeuh - she has been a great connection and SUPER sweet to me! I can't wait to get to know her and her family better! Right now I will tell you she has this new AMAZING summer collection in her shop - and I ordered an item before it was even released because I loved the colors SO much!!! In fact, I might order even more :) I LOVE her creations!

This is just a couple of the items I have purchased from her in the past few months.

Alicia met me earlier this week, and my new mug hug is keeping me company in the studio as I finish up my current project for another favorite client (who I am I kidding... I love them all!).

Coffee tastes sweeter when it comes in a bright cheerful hug :)

Time to Click: Composition

Did you know there are basic rules that photographers follow... it's not all technical and functional!

Composition from Wikipedia is described as:  the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art or a photograph, as distinct from the subject of a work. It can also be thought of as the organization of the elements of art according to the principles of art.
The term composition means 'putting together,' and can apply to any work of art, from music to writing to photography, that is arranged or put together using conscious thought.


So to kick off our "putting it all together" week... I thought what better place to start then the real down and dirty... core element of photography... Composition. 

There are several "rules of composition" that photographers commonly follow. Here are some of my fav's! 

(I have posted some of this prior, if it seems familiar... this is a much more in depth and inclusive list)

1. Fill the Frame with your subject. (imagine if Dad was shown... it would really limit what you could see of baby! Plus it would make him look HUGE because she is SO small!)

 #2 If your subject is TALLER then they are WIDE, shoot VERTICAL

#3 If your subject is WIDER then they are TALL shoot horizontally

Note: If you cant get what you need with your camera's zoom or lens, use your physical zoom... YOUR LEGS! Move yourself closer or farther to be able to fit your subject!

Leading Lines: When we look at an image our eye is naturally drawn along lines. These lines can be made from a background such as a road, bricks, steps, as well as using people and your pose to create it!  Look for lines within your image to create interest and tell the viewer where to look! Check out your favorite scenic shot... I bet you find a leading line in it!

Lines from the elbows up to the topmost head

Perspective or Viewpoint: Before photographing your subject, take time to think about where you will shoot it from. Rather than shooting from eye level, consider photographing from high above, down at ground level, from the side, from the back, change it up!

Angled Down

Rule of 3rd's: Imagine you have a tic-tac-toe board over your frame. It is separated into 9 equal parts with 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines. This rule says that you should position the most important elements in your scene along these lines, or at the points where they intersect. Filling either 1/3rd or 2/3s of your frame to do so.

NOTE! Some cameras even offer an option to superimpose a rule of thirds grid over the LCD screen! This is EXTRA handy when shooting anything with a horizon line so you can keep your perspective and horizon straight!

Balancing Elements: Sometimes having a subject on one side of the frame, may leave a lot of empty space on the other, and it may feel unbalanced especially in scenic photography. You can balance the "weight" of your subject my including another object of lesser importance to fill that space.

Symmetry and Patterns: Capturing a pattern, or symmetry in your image can make for breath taking views and amazing scenic photography. This image is framed amazingly, with a full square shown around the border, patterns in the windows and symmetry on both sides. Sometimes adding an item of interest or (in portrait photography) your subject into this will break the symmetry but create more interest.  I am hard pressed to find a better example of Symmetry and Pattern for you, however I wish the bucket was larger (or more preferred it was a little girl playing on the side of the steps) to better showcase the broken effect.

The symmetry of this chapel is broken by the bucket in the bottom right corner. Image by Fabio Montalto.

Framing Your Subject: While the above image does create it's own frame along the edge... Framing your subject typically applies to using things to highlight your subject. Utilizing natural elements or props to "frame" out your subject. Trees, holes, archways, shadows, grass, door frames... even real "frames"!

©VertePhotography

Background: The human eye is great at distinguishing between subjects and backgrounds. Your camera however does tend to flatten the image, and subjects tend to "get lost" into busy backgrounds. Creating images that are not as dramatic or engaging as the could be. You can control your background with aperture, backdrops, or even light placement to create the perfect image.

Example of a "lost" background opportunity.

Clean backgrounds make products pop!

Amazing baby... distracting background.

Priceless

Well there you go... a more in-depth look at composition and how it will effect, change and improve your photography! Keep in mind, several of these images have more then one technique being used... besides the baby who's image I used twice, can you find some? Be sure to comment below and let me know!

A year ahead.

Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.
Helen Keller

I always liked Helen Keller. 

I do agree with this quote and as I look towards my goals and begin to flush out my calendar for the new year I am encouraged and reminded of this. Success and happiness. Not always the same, but always a part of the plan. Happiness and joy, to shield and comfort against trials and difficulties. 

While I don't make new year resolutions. I do try to refresh my goals, set a new calendar and plan my business year out each January. I find that if you don't set goals, and make a plan you tend to always be fumbling around missing deadlines, and forever behind. 

So to that end I thought I would share with you some of my goals for this blog. What you can expect to see and some things I am currently working on! Perhaps this will help you keep me all "on track" and hold me accountable for creating some more successful posts!

January: Time to Click series. This will bring you several posts with tips and suggestions for new camera owners, there will be plenty for the experienced or every day user as well. But we will be starting this year with some basics to build upon over the next year! Depending on feedback and subject content once it is all finished this series might continue into Feb or March.<in progress, please let me know now if you have suggestions for topics!>

February: To go along with the romance of the season, I plan on bringing some great tips for finding, interviewing and hiring a wedding photographer. I will also touch on some guidelines, contacts, expectations and general etiquette. <in progress, please let me know now if you have suggestions for topics!>

March and April: I am not sure it will be any sort of series, but this is a good time to cover some outdoor photography topics, macro, and possibly some family ideas. I will probably take this time to push forward and build on skills such as aperture and lens options since it goes so well with outdoor and macro topics.

 

May: I want to do a Mothers Day "something" perhaps this will be a good time for a guest giveaway, and end of the school year photography sessions and tips. Maybe, Road Tripping series?

June/ July: Will be tips for finding a family photographer, high school senior images, and more on posing and such for those shooting themselves.

August: Back to school

September/ October: Family portraits and sports photography. More advanced lens, shutter speed and manual trainings... perhaps additional flash if it hasn't yet been done.

November/ December: Holiday, Food, and seasonal photography.

You can also count on more Tuesday Tips, which will not always go with the topics of the month, and will remain a chance for me to get technical in response to your questions. As well as more product photography tips for everyone, and hopefully more crafts and food posts. As always, there will be plenty of current topics when PMA happens, and as new camera's and products are released!

I am also looking forward to bringing in some guest posters, not all photography related, and getting back to offering more reviews of photography outings and events. If your interested in doing some guest posting with me this year - please let me know! 

Well there you have it... a year ahead.. some plans made and I have updated my calendar with these goals so I can work on them ahead of time! I hope to, like in my business, stay ahead by a season (or a topic, here) so you are never without new content. This will make it easier also for me to simply add in current events and thoughts as they strike me rather then spending all my scheduled blogging time on the lengthy technical posts. 

Cheers!

Color in Motion

Today I am going outside our normal "box" here at Verte. Something that has become very close to my heart has been the education and groups supporting girls. So it was quite surprising one morning when I found an email from Morgan introducing herself to me and asking if I could help her get the word out about this project. After doing some research on both the event and the charity it supports... how could I say no!  While I am not a runner, I am seriously thinking of going to the event and doing a follow up for all of you - I mean just LOOK at these fun images! How could that not be a blast!!!! **Disclaimer - I have not been to this event - so none of these images are mine - they were given to me to use by Morgan from Color in Motion!

So, I am super excited to turn this post over to my first guest poster, who can share with you more about the event and how you can help support a local charity "Girls on the Run"

Hey friends! Do you want to have more fun this winter with your family? This is Morgan from Color in Motion 5k to tell you about an event that you are guaranteed to have a blast at and offer Verte Photo readers an awesome deal for the Color in Motion 5k fun run on February 2. This race also benefits the local Houston charity, Girls on the Run. 

**Use the discount code- VERTEPHOTO to register and get 10% off race registration at colorinmotion5k.com/event/Houston.**

Girls on the Run, the charity that we will be helping with this fun event benefits girls between 3rd and 8th grade and helps "inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running." 

So what is Color in Motion 5k? Color in Motion 5k is the most fun 5k race you will ever participate in. This is is not a timed race so run, walk, jog, whatever your prefer. I don’t know about you but I’m always looking for ways to have more fun. If you can combine having fun with exercise, friends and a great cause, I’m all in. What more could you want? Colorful photos? You can get plenty of those as well.

If you are not familiar with Color in Motion 5k, here’s how it works.

Come in white clothes and start moving.

At every kilometer of the race there is a color pit where our wonderful volunteers throw powder color on what we call, Color Chasers, as they go by turning your white clothes into a palette of color. Like these Color Chasers

What also makes Color in Motion different than your average 5k race is the after party. Afterwards there is a big party with music, dancing, vendors and a color throw.

Doesn’t that look fun? Having participated in one, I can promise you this is an event you DEFINITELY don’t want to miss out on. While pets are not allowed, this is an event I promise your husband/wife, boyfriend, kids, and friends will LOVE.

So what do you have to do to join in on this fun? Go to colorinmotion5k.com/event/Houston and sign up using VERTEPHOTO to get 10% off, bring your friends and get ready to have a great time and support a great cause while doing it. We are excited to see yo covered in color on February 2!

The Teacher Gift.

I am not particular crafty.. I mean I LOVE the idea of crafts, I love doing crafts... but there is a lot of cleaning up to do before when setting things up, and after... and heaven help me if it's something that needs "prepped" so my kid can help as well!

However, this year our teachers have been extra special for us. So, doing some research and talking to some other teachers... I found a craft made by a child was usually something that meant more to them then the $5 coffee gift card. Seeing as how I spend so much quality time on Pinterest, I set out to find just the right "bright idea".

I actually saw it on the ABC show "The Chew" making ornaments out of melted peppermint candies. Now I had seen the platters before - but an ornament that seemed like something that was practical and could make a cute gift! The could eat it , break it up and put it in coffee, or hang it on the tree to enjoy! Perfect! We could make them for all the teachers, and admin staff as well! Wonderful! Simple, easy... fairly inexpensive right?

thecatholicbeat.sacredheartradio.com

Turns out, not that easy. I went to 3 stores to find the peppermints - first - WHY would stores not have big bags of these around for the holidays? I swear I see them ALL the time! I ended up having to get several smaller bags... to keep from having to go to yet another store... in the holiday season.

I tried it first on the slipmat... epic fail, as my slipmat gets used for too many crafts, I guess. It ended up making the white look burnt... so back to the store for wax paper.. which was suggested.... only to have it stick to the peppermints, and nearly smoke me out of the kitchen. One MORE trip to the store for parchment. *sigh*  I know, why do I not already have these basic things... I am going to blame my lack of desire to bake anything. So again... layout everything... and... miserable results. I couldn't cut them with our cookie cutters, even when warm, they cooled too fast, and would break as I was trying to use varies knives, and pizza cutters... btw, were on day 3 of this "simple" project, now.

So after this last fail, I simply gave up! I mean, this is sad enough I didn't even photograph it for you!!! EPIC FAIL!

Would my kid go for a gift card? Please... no. No amount of begging on my part would get her over the disappointment of NOT making something special for them. Great.

So off to the far reaches of Pinterest I went again yesterday, searching for something I might be able to do with things from around the house! When I found... Frosty Hot-Cocoa! Well, the name was different, but its a make your own cocoa mix, in a recycled jar that is dressed up to look like a snowman. Bonus. I had two jars with lids that I had been holding onto, and luckily the ingredients for the mix as well!

So I dug out a recipe I liked better then the one on that blog, I used this from Alton Brown.

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
• 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste

Only I used a pinch of cinnamon, so it wouldn't be quite as spicy but still add a bit of "hmmm what is that" to it. Split it up between the jars and proceeded to think "whew!" done!

Well, not quite, I then proceeded to spend WAY too much of my last day without a child before Christmas on trying to create a top hat out of construction paper, pom poms.. and other craft items I am too embarrassed to admit to. I finally went to Hobby Lobby and was SUPER lucky in finding a couple craft hats made of felt that would fit when glued to the lid! (and spend WAY too much on them) While I was there I picked up some ribbon for the scarf. 
By the time I picked up the little one from school I had google eyes and a pack of foam beads in different shapes set up with the scarfs tied and hats glued, so she could just decorate.
Here is one of her creations.

So all in, not counting gas it took me the better part of 3 full days, around $20-$30 in supplies depending on if you want to count the things I bought but didn't use, and the gift bags we purchased for the unmade candies, and such... and I have learned a very valuable lesson.

Next time, just get a $15 gift card for each of them. No, not really... but I did learn that I need to work better at my time management, and schedule our crafts and gifts better and be a little less "ooohh" over Pinterests version of "easy". This year has been one big time suck after another. I could have used an extra 2 days this week!

So lesson learned, I am going to order these for our next round of gifts, ahead of time like I should have done for Christmas!

To keep your lips kissable for Valentines!

And smellies with a beach theme, along with some flip flops or a fun beach book for End of Year gifts!

Btw - if you don't shop with the  Streeter's You should! She is awesome! Be sure to check out her blog, and shop here - and find your own "easy" present for your kids next holiday party too!


P.S. I am starting to work towards doing more "Pin"spiration  posts... and this week I am happy to join the link party from

All I want for Christmas

I want a lot of things for Christmas... important, meaningful things. However, I thought I would post a couple of wishlist items, that I have found around the internet... been inspired by, made me giggle, or perhaps I just LOVE.

I really want the new purple ones... I know color doesn't matter... but how hot would they look!

It's just a photoshop thing!

Since I am old school and HAVE really done darkroom stuff... this is HYSTERICAL (to me)!

What you thought it would be all photo related? I need some really fantastic shoes!

A statement jacket, that isn't a jacket

A purse that is not a purse! Steller for traveling!

 And while this is listed last.. that's only to put emphasis on it! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bag! It would be the perfect outside for the camera insert... and Zeeuh is such a great small business to support!http://zeeuh.storenvy.com/products/581406-kelly-bag-fiesta-floral

5 days of Thankful: Day 5

Today, last but not least... in fact probally at the TOP of my list. 

I am SO THANKFUL not to work RETAIL - ESPECIALLY TODAY!

My heart really goes out to all of those underpaid, retail managers, and employees who have to deal with crazy people at midnight, and can't even enjoy their wine at Thanksgiving any more because they have to go to WORK!

I remember having to work from 4am to 11pm ( or later ) many times in studios, labs and retail photography stores, salaried so no overtime, being the person everyone yelled at when something wasn't right, and oh yea lets not forget mandatory 7 day work weeks... 

I learned a lot then.

Mostly, I learned that I don't care how good the deal is, how much I want something, or how much my family is driving me crazy, there is absolutely no reason to go out Thanksgiving Day, or Black Friday for ANYTHING... EVER.

Except maybe more wine.

So I am super thankful that I get to sleep in.

I get to spend time with my family.

I get to have thanksgiving leftovers and not cold pizza for lunch (if I got lunch)

and I am REALLY thankful that my business gives me the ability to unplug, and enjoy.

A Sweet Giveaway

Our lovley sponsor and my client Kim at Sweetsie's is hosting a giveaway! I was super excited to offer a very timely product for her to giveaway and I wanted to be sure each of you saw that you had a chance to win a little something from me... and a VERY big something from her! Oh yea... and some other great prizes from many other wonderful ladies! So here is the info and the links!

Thanks again Kim for offering this great opportunity for a lucky viewer! 

 <<Kim's post>>
Hello Everyone!  I have reached 100 followers and I'm so blessed and so very excited!  I've gained a few more since then!  Thank you, thank you!

So in honor of gaining enough followers and out of appreciation I, and a few of my good bloggy friends, have put together a little Give-A-Way!

Please join us and may the luckiest person win!

One winner takes all!!!

First of all, I will be giving away a {Sweetsie}Sampler!  Wait, not just one, but two!  One for you and one delivered to your friend or just keep both for yourself!!

Who doesn't love those personalized holiday cards?  Well, this is one that will beat even the best of the best!  Verte Photography is offering a card design to match your personality!

Next is Ms. Holli from over at Holli's Hoots and Hollers!  Holli has this beautiful unique ornament by one of her favorite artists that she is offering up for this special give-a-way!

And last but certainly not least is Pamela from Pamela's Heavenly Treats!  She is including some wonderful Ad Space to show you off!

Now that you've seen these wonderful prizes, get goin' on entering this Little but Certainly not Skimpy Give-A-Way!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of Thankful: Day 3

Today I am thankful that my business gives me an opportunity to share and do what I love! I started in the industry at the young age of 16 and was told soon after once you have photography in your blood your never really "out of the industry" it will suck you back in one way or the other. I didn't really believe that at the time of course, but here I am close to 20 years later...

I love that I can find an hour or two a day to put together some photography tips to help others and maintain this blog. I love that the internet makes it possible to connect with others who I wouldn't normally be able to help. Above all, I am thankful that each day I pick up my camera I know I am not just doing a job, but I am doing something I can never be "done with" It is... in my blood.

5 Days of Thankful: Day 2

Today I am thankful that my business allows me to meet and get to know so many fantastic business owners.

I get to network and provide a much needed service to so many fantastic people! Plus, I get to see, touch, sometimes smell and even taste products that I otherwise would not have come into contact with. These are women owned businesses that you wont find in a big box store, and I can feel good about supporting them because I know who my money is going to support. It isn't paying for TV ads or making more top "1%ers", it is making the difference in someones life, directly!

So thank you to the women who I work with, who support me, and who allow me to have this awesome business. Without you, there wouldn't be a Verte!

5 days of Thankful: Day 1

So many people have committed to doing a full month on Facebook of things they are thankful for. It's really nice to see some real content, thoughtful and memorable posts... which we all know isn't the norm. I thought a nice way to follow up my 10 days of thoughtful photos (great holiday tips) would be 5 days of why I am thankful... very specifically  thankful for my business.

This week is so busy, for everyone.. I am sure. It always has been it always will be. School activities, extra cooking, cleaning, guests coming into town.. Today I am thankful that my business lets ME set the schedule. I can close the studio for a week, and life goes on. I no longer have to work nights and weekends to accommodate family portraits, unless I REALLY want to!

So universe thanks for letting me take time to shop while everyone else is at work, spend time at the "big feast" at school, and not have to stress over when I am going to get to go ice skating with the kiddo and enjoy the season! Thank you, Thank you!

Scarf Swap!

I had a super fun time hitting up the stores to find a gift to send out to my scarf swaper... While I opted to send more of a "year round" piece, since my swap person is from Houston as well... and seriously its still 70 during the days! So for Kayla at www.sealedwithakay.com I took some liberty from her pins... where she has this... along with a few other things...

If you want to see what I found... head over to her blog! www.sealedwithakay.comhttp://www.sealedwithakay.com/2012/11/scarf-swap-revealed/#comments 

Breonna from www.brewrites.com sent me my wonderful scarf! She took some insperation from my personal Pins.. I am guessing from....

 and sent me this!

Thanks so much! It is sure to keep me warm now that it is cooling down! I special nod out to Lindsey who brought this all together and hosted the swap!
You should stop by and see what else she has cooking at www.creativelyclassy.blogspot.com

I love to WIN!

I must say I am a little obsessed with entering giveaways! OK, maybe a little more then that... and some of them take a LONG time to do, and go for several days! I just spent an hour doing one this morning! Shesh! AN HOUR! But, part of that is because I don't just follow randomly, and sign up for everything. If I am going to sign up to follow your blog, I would like to get to know you! Leave a comment or two, and be sure I want to go back to read more! But I digress! THIS post, is to say how very much I LOVE entering.. and WINNING!

I have won a few things since starting this blog, and I have been trying to post them as I receive them and tell you a little about my experience!  I am happy to say my luck seems to continue! If you all remember I was entering the Streeter Giveaway back in Oct daily! Not only do I LOVE new mommy Kristina... but I really groove on those that she supports as well! She does a Saturday link up party to introduce you to those people as well! Be sure to check it out!

During her October HUGE fall giveaway I just happened to win a SUPER AWESOME prize from.....
(drumroll please)

Aubrey Plays

This super cute Typewriter clutch isn't just two pieces of fabric sewn together! Oh NO! It has batting inside, making it pillow soft, and feels very durable! It sports a nice magnetic closure, two pockets and by the way.. I read up on her products and this retro vibe fabric... HAND DRAWN by HER! I didn't even know that was possible!

The tab is designed to fit your small keyring and overall it is a great design! I am super impressed with the quality of the stitching and professional nature of Aubrey herself! She was super quick to contact me after the announcement, and shipped out my item in a cute package..

I already had Aubrey on my Holiday wishlist radar... but now, after seeing the quality, I think she might have to get some very specific hints and links sent out to my family this season! 

 I have my eye on this little beauty! 

Thanks again!!!